Programmable device for diffusing olfactory peaks

ABSTRACT

A programmable odor-bearing substance diffusion device includes a number n of odor diffusion devices, where n is equal to or greater than 1, each odor diffusion device including a store of an odor source which is dispensed by the odor diffusion device, a device for independently controlling each odor diffusion device to emit a single odor or a mixture of odors from a by a combination of p of the n stores, and a programmable control device for establishing odor peak emission cycles and a predetermined interval between two successive emission cycles, the predetermined interval being based on an olfactory saturation and desaturation times of the olfactory system of a user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns a programmable device for the diffusion ofactive substances, such as odour-bearing products, intended among otherthings, to produce olfactory sensations or messages for educational,practical or play-related purposes.

In a prior embodiment, there is industrial or personal equipment for thediffusion of odour-bearing products (perfumes, deodorants) or sanitaryproducts (insecticides, bactericides). They are capable of diffusingthese products by a spray, either at regular intervals or in response toa detected action, such as the opening of a door or the detection ofpresence.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATE ART

Accordingly, through the request for European patent EP-A-0714 709,there is a known device for the projection of drops on request. Thisdocument describes a device which includes one or several sets ofnozzles connected to one or several tanks containing the product to bediffused. An electronic control device is capable of diffusing, aschosen, one or several products, independently or in sequence. Thediffusion can be triggered by a proximity detector or by a programmabletimer system.

Most of the devices that now exist using means of nebulisation by an airjet bearing a single odour, without programming, or at least, with verybasic emission cycles, as described in the document EP-A-0714 709. Thedevices are unsuitable for the physiology of the users, in particularbecause they do not take into consideration the saturation of theolfactory nerve endings and the ambient habituation effect. Other knowndevices obtain odour diffusion by the control of an air flow over asurface containing the olfactory principle to be evaporated. Thesedevices have the same drawbacks as the former.

In addition, these devices are particularly restricted in terms ofmultiple and combinational use of odours

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the purpose of the invention is a programmable odourdistribution device having carefully designed operating characteristicsto allow for the physiology of the user.

In particular, devices according to the invention will be capable ofgenerating odour peaks by taking into consideration the physiologicalcharacteristics of the users.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a programmable device for thediffusion of odour-bearing substances comprising a number n of odourdiffusion means where n is equal to or greater than 1, each of which canbe controlled independently to emit, from appropriate reserves, odoursor mixtures of odours by the combination p of n sources. According tothe invention, the device also includes programmable control meanscapable of establishing odour peak emission cycles having determinedemission times and determine intervals between two successive emissionswhich successive emission cycles of odour peaks take into considerationthe saturation and desaturation times of the user olfactory systems.

It should be understood that this saturation effect is caused by aneuro-sensory inhibition of signals emanating from olfactory capturecells, beyond a determined period of exposure to the same odour. Thepurpose of the invention is therefore to emit odour peaks according tothe transmission times and the intervals between two successiveemissions taking into consideration the physiological characteristics ofthe user olfactory systems, that is, the saturation effect of theseolfactory systems. Indeed, after some exposure to the same odour,signals from the olfactory capture cells are no longer acknowledged bythe brain so that the odour is no longer perceived by the user. A changein the user odour-bearing environment, obtained by the emission ofanother odour peak, will permit further perception of the odour by theuser, through to the effect of saturation of the olfactory system.

The purpose of the invention involves renewing cyclically the olfactoryperception of the users by taking their neuro-sensory characteristicsinto consideration. The diffusion of odour-bearing substances as odourpeaks leads to decreasing the quantity of odour-bearing substancesdiffused, compared to permanent diffusion. Accordingly, diffusion asodour peaks avoids phenomena of olfactory habituation, causing forinstance, headaches or a nauseous feeling, occurring during thepermanent emission of odour bearing substances.

For information, odour peaks have typical emission times of between fiveseconds and two minutes, and intervals between typical emissions of twominutes to one hour and, preferably, between two and 15 minutes.

Preferably, the odour peaks have typical emission times of 15 seconds toone minute and, preferably,of around 30 seconds and intervals betweentypical emissions of between two minutes and five minutes.

Devices like this can generate odour peaks for people spread out in suchplaces as an office, a meeting room, a lounge, a bedroom etc.

Depending on the various optional engineering methods, this invention iscapable of incorporating one or several of the following aspects,depending on the choices of use and the applications envisaged:

a number n of active principle diffusion means equal to or greater than2.

vaporisation means consisting of diffusion means suitable for theemission of drops sized in such a way as to produce a dry fog effect,with the elementary diameter of a drop of being in the region of 0.5 to3 microns;

vaporisation means consisting of surface evaporation means such as aflow of air;

active means of attenuating or eliminating noise in the form of noiseabatement means;

passive means of noise attenuation;

means of diffusing drops operating by Venturi effect;

means of diffusing drops including an electro-mechanical activatingdevice, for instance, a piezo-electric actuator, arranged so as totransmit vibrations toward a load of liquid and eject droplets from thisload of liquid;

means of diffusing drops which include means of producing a jet ofliquid to be diffused and means of generating acoustic surface waves onthe jet of liquid so as to detach droplets from this jet;

programmable control means which include signal input means intended tobe connected to at least one physiological parameter sensor designed tocontrol the activation and/or evolution of a program for the diffusionof active parameters depending on one or several detected physiologicalparameters; a physiological parameter sensor in the form of a devicedetecting the noise caused by snoring, with the device programmed tocontrol the means of diffusion and trigger the emission of odour bearingproduct(s) in order to cause the snoring to stop;

a physiological parameter sensor consisting of a drowsiness detectorwith the device programmed to control the means of diffusion and triggerthe emission of odour bearing product(s) depending on the detectedphysiological state;

a detector of the electrical characteristic of the user organism, forinstance electrical activity or resistivity detected by electrodes;

programmable control means including means of counting time so as tocontrol the activation and/or evolution of an odour diffusion programmeor of other active principles according to one or several time-relatedparameters;

the programmable control means can be programmed to begin, and a settime, the diffusion cycle apt to awaken the subject;

the programmable control means can be programmed to begin, at aprogrammed time or in response to an input at one of the interfaces, adiffusion cycle apt to accompany the act of falling asleep;

the programmable control means include audio output means capable ofmanaging the emission of sounds to accompany a diffusion programme;

one at the start the various tanks of the diffusion means contains anodour-bearing liquid specific to this tank, for instance, an essentialoil;

a preparation used as a means of soliciting an awakened state from thecomatose state of a patient with at least one of the tanks containing anodour bearing liquid chosen to emit an odour redolent of the past orsurroundings or tastes of the patient;

at least one of the liquids contains a pheromone related to thefiliation of the patient;

The odour peak generating cycles are calculated to take intoconsideration the saturation and de-saturation time of the olfactorynervous system while adding a waiting period to give the user time tocreate his desire for the odour peak and thus reinforce his pleasurewhen it arrives;

the device also includes automatic means of recognising the productcontained in a tank by a predetermined coding system with respect to therecipient containing the liquid, and adjusting the diffusion programmeaccordingly;

the electric power supply can be obtained by connecting the system tothe electric circuit of a real call, for instance the cigarette lighterin the vehicle;

the device is a portable system allowing personal and individual use;

the device includes audio means associated with the odour diffusionsystems capable of sending out a global and consistent odour-soundmessage related to nature.

For operation to be beneficial in some applications, the means ofdiffusing the drops will preferably be of the more or less silent type.

The device may incorporate active means of attenuating or eliminatingnoise consisting of antinoise means and/or passive noise attenuationmeans.

The means of forming the drops can use a variety of techniques, forinstance:

means working by a Venturi effect which means may include at least oneliquid outlet to having a first end designed to be immersed in the tankof liquid to be diffused and a second end designed to be exposed to aflow of air, which second end has a smaller section. The flow of aircomes from a tube converging at one end to ensure the high speed outletof air near the mouth of the liquid outlet tube which liquid outlet tubeand air outlet tube could advantageously have a diameter of between 0.05and 2 mm, and preferably, between 0.2 and 1 mm;

means operating by an electromechanical actuator, for instance, apiezoelectric actuator arranged to transmit vibration toward a load ofliquid and eject the droplets from this load of liquid. In this case,the load of liquid may be contained in a cavity which has on its planeparallel faces, respectively, ejection orifices and the actuator. Inthis mode, the actuator is preferably supplied by excitation voltage athigh frequency, generating acoustic vibration beyond the audiblespectrum, or otherwise

means operating on the basis of acoustic surface waves comprising meansof producing the jet of liquid to be diffused and means of generatingacoustic surface waves on the jet of liquid so as to detach dropletsfrom the jet.

In an advantageous embodiment, the means of programming the diffusion ofdrops will include means of input for the signal to be connected atleast one physiological parameter sensor capable of controlling theactivation and/or evolution of a drop diffusion program depending on oneor several detected physiological parameters.

The means of diffusion may be of the semi-passive type, i.e. based onthe evaporation of the liquid containing the odour-bearing activeprinciple by the programmed passage of a flow of air. Throughout thistext, the term “odour-bearing” will be understood to cover the action ofgenerating awareness of the sense of smell related to the olfactorynerve endings and the result of soliciting the vomeronasal organ bypheromones bearing specific olfactory messages.

In this case of semi-passive diffusion means, the means of forming aflow of air with the means of stocking an odour-bearing liquid, gel orsolid in a cartridge will be associated to offer a large surface forevaporation. In this case, the device will advantageously be operated inthe immediate surroundings of the user, for instance at between 1 and 2meters. If a fog is diffused, as in the case of evaporation, the goal isstill the same, obtaining odour peaks.

For instance, the device could be associated with a physiologicalparameter sensor such as a noise detector triggered by snoring with thedevice programmed to control means of odour diffusion so as to cause theemission of the odour-bearing product(s) in response to detected snoringso as to eliminate the snoring by the inhalation of this odour-bearingproduct, itself formulated in such a way that it works on the breathingorgans of the snoring person.

In another example, the device could also be associated with aphysiological parameter sensor consisting of a drowsiness statedetector, with this device programmed to control means of odourdiffusion and provoke the transmission of products according to thedetected physiological state. As an example, the physiological parametersensor could include at least one of the following:

a respiration detector, and

an electric characteristic detector on the user's organism, forinstance, electrical activity or resistivity detected by electrodes, forinstance in terms of cerebral activity.

In the various configurations of the aforementioned device, thediffusion programming means to generate an odour peak may also includetime counting means capable of controlling the activation and/orevolution of an odour diffusion program according to one or severaltime-related parameters.

In one particular application of the invention, the means of programmingthe diffusion of odour peaks could be programmed to begin, at aprogrammed time, a diffusion cycle of drops that could cause awakening.

Odour diffusion programming means could also be programmed to begin at aprogrammed time, or in response to an input into one of the interfaces,an odour peak diffusion cycle which could assist with drowsiness.

In several advantageous modes of this invention, the odour peakdiffusion programming means could include audio output means to generatethe emission of sounds to accompany an odour peak diffusion program.

For many applications, at least one of the various tanks containing thediffusion means would be provided with a liquid (or gel or solid) of theodour-bearing type specific to the tank, for instance an essential oil.However, other products could be considered: active principles, sanitaryproducts, etc.

In a given embodiment, the device could be prepared to solicit awakeningfrom a comatose state in a patient, with at least one of the tankscontaining the odour-bearing liquid chosen to emit an odour related tothe physiological or affective activity of the patient (relation withparents, spouse, loved ones).

At least one of these liquids may contain pheromones related to thefiliation or environment of the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Better understanding of the invention will be obtained, with itsparticular advantages, from reading the description of the preferredembodiments of the invention, given purely as non-limitative exampleswith reference to the attached illustrations in which:

FIG. 1 is a general schematic view of a programmable vaporization devicein conformity with this invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a means of drop diffusion according toan initial embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a drop diffusion means according to thesecond embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a drop diffusion means according to thethird embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a vaporized liquid diffusion means byan air flow;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an alternate diffusion means for aliquid vaporized by an air flow; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of programmable control electronicsdesigned to control the device in conformity with this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of all the assembled parts forming theprogrammable product diffusion device according to an initial embodimentof the invention.

Device 1 is a box structure containing, in a functional whole, all thefollowing components or subassemblies:

droplet emission means, comprising, in the example a number n of threenebulization units 4 a, 4 b and 4 c, each forming drop diffusion means.Each nebulization unit is linked with a tank of product to be diffused,specific to it, 6 a, 6 b, 6 c and also includes its own outlet ofnebulized droplets into the atmosphere 8 a, 8 b and 8 c. The tanks maybe extractable and interchangeable;

an air flow generator comprising one or several air pumps 10, designedto supply nebulization units 4 a, 4 b and 4 c to ensure their operationfrom an air inlet 10 a;

an active anti-noise generator 142 including an acoustic energy output142 a designed to eliminate, or at least attenuate, the sound emissionsof the device, in particular those emanating from the air flow generator10, by a destructive interference phenomenon;

control electronics 12 including a programming unit and used moreparticularly to control the salvos of drops selectively fromnebulization units 4 a, 4 b and 4 c;

an interface unit having a programming data input keyboard 16 and adisplay device 21 to indicate the operating state of the device, and anelectric power supply unit 20 supplying the voltages needed by thevarious parts of device 1 from an internal battery or a mains connector.It will be possible to add to these means, either by integration in thesame package, or by connection, one or several of the following means:

means of creating a sound environment (music, voice, sound effects,etc.) from a recorded medium (compact disk, cassette) or a soundsynthesizer and

means of detection and triggering making it possible to activate andmodify various functions programmed according to the detected parameters(elapsed time, physiological parameters, ambient brightness, ambientnoises, presence of people, etc.).

To permit the implementation of device 1 according to certainapplications, in particular those related to awakening and/or fallingasleep, one of the parameters may be related to the physiologicalactivity of a person: breathing rate, cardiac rate, sound emission, suchas snoring, electrical activity of the nervous system(electroencephalogram or others), etc. In this case, the controlelectronics will have a sensor input for one or several of theparameters mentioned at a suitable interface (cf. FIG. 7). Depending onthe data supplied by these sensors, the control electronics will becapable of tripping or changing a program to activate the drop diffusionmeans 4.

Anti-noise means 14 can be an advantage in some applications, inparticular those related to falling asleep or waking up, if the organsof the device tend to emit a sound level considered to be too high intothe environment.

These anti-noise means 14 could replace or complement passive noiseattenuation means such as phonic absorption surface coatings.

Accordingly, the base of the device consists of drop emission means 4which, to a given program, make it possible to generate very finedroplets, highly monodispersed, of a liquid. This could be a liquidcontaining an odour-bearing principle, which might preferably be anatural plant extraction, referred to as essential oils.

As appears below in the description, these multiple means of dropdiffusion 4 can work in series or in parallel from tanks 6 containingliquids with different odour-bearing properties, as mentioned above.

The means of drop emission (referred to generically by reference 4) canbe based on a variety of techniques, of which three examples,corresponding to respective engineering modes, are now described as anexample.

According to the following engineering modes, the implementation of someof the devices described in FIG. 1 may be pointless or optional. Theprofessional will easily understand the necessary adaptations to takethis into consideration.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a drop emission means 4 G, conforming toan initial embodiment, functionally integrated into the devices of FIG.1, housed in a case 22. Naturally, case 22 includes several of thesedrop emission devices 4, each controlled independently.

The means of drop emission 4 includes a first and second tube 24 and 26respectively connected to a tank containing the liquid to be diffused 6,for instance in the form of an interchange cartridge and an air pumpoutlet 10.

The first tube 24 has its first end 24 a immersed in liquid tank 6, andsecond end 24 b having a conical section converging toward a smallersection outlet 24 c. This conical flared shape at second end 24 b of thefirst liquid inlet tube is advantageous because it facilitates theforming of drops by pulling them away from the surface of the liquidmeniscus at this end 24 b.

The second tube 26 has a first end 26 a connected to air outlet 10 a ofair pump 10 and a second end 26 b also having a tapered sectionconverging on a smaller section mouth 26 c.

The first and second tubes 24 and 26 are arranged at right angles, thefirst here being vertical with the ends at mouths 24 c and 26 c of thetwo tubes near one another.

In operation, a jet of air from mouth 26 c of second tube 26 passes overmouth 24 c of first tube 24.

With this arrangement, the jet of air, by a Venturi effect, draws theliquid into the first tube and projects it in fine droplets G, carriedby the jet of air.

In an advantageous embodiment, these means of pulverization by Venturieffect 24 and 26 will be constructed with small size and weight topermit a suitable capability of projection for uses related to wakingup, and to other applications of the device described below.

As an example, the first and seconds tubes 24 and 26 used in thisengineering method have a diameter of around 0.2 to 1 millimeter.

The outlet of the droplets G is through an opening 22 a speciallyprovided in case 22, and which can be provided with means ofrecirculation for the larger drops, to prevent them being carried offinto the atmosphere.

Air pump 10 controls the flow of droplets G by means of the emitted airflow, and the flow rate depends on the speed and intensity of this flow.Accordingly, pump 10 is controlled by control electronics 12 to supply avariable flow of air in second tube 26, according to establishedprogramming chosen by the user at interface 16, or to a pre-establishedprogram. In the example, air pump 10 includes a single tubing 10 bfeeding each of several air flow outlets 10 a which supply respectivetubes 26 of the various drop-emitting means 4 of the device. In thiscase, the air flow is controlled by means of flow testing devices, forinstance solenoids, associated with each of outlets 10 a. These meansare controlled individually by control electronics 12.

The anti-noise device 14 is arranged and controlled to eliminate orattenuate the unwanted sound emissions of the device, which comeessentially from the mechanicals of the air pump 10, in particularturbine 10 b. Accordingly, the anti-noise device 14 is mounted near airpump 10.

It includes a sound emission sensor directed toward the mechanicals ofthe pump and means of producing at the acoustic energy output 14a thesame sound emission, but with a sound wave phase-shift of 180°. Thephase-shifted acoustic energy emission thus interferes destructivelywith the sound emission detected by the sensor (in this case coming fromthe pump mechanicals), so that it is eliminated or considerablydecreased.

The principle of operation and engineering of the anti-noise devicesdesigned to fulfil the envisioned application are well known to theprofessional and are not detailed here out of a concern for concision.The case 22 also includes coating 22 c of noise-absorbing material onall its inside walls. This coating consists of a passive noiseattenuation means, used here as a complement to anti-noise means 14. Asimilar noise attenuation coating may enclose air pump 10 in addition toor instead of coating 22 c.

It is possible to have an individual air pump 10 for each drop emissionmeans 4. Control electronics 12 then operate on each of air pumps 10.

It is then possible to provide for an associated anti-noise device 14,as explained previously, on each air pump, or to have a singleanti-noise device 14 comprising sound detectors to detect the noise fromthe various pumps so that the acoustic emission represents aphase-shifted spectrum of the different captured noises.

The operating energy of air pump 10, anti-noise device 14, controlelectronics 12 and interface 16 is obtained by electric power supply 20.

FIG. 3 illustrates a means of emitting droplets 4 operating on the basisof acoustic waves, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

This means comprises a cavity 30, forming a store of liquid, suppliedwith the liquid to be diffused by a supply tube 32 connected to a liquidtank 6.

Cavity 30 has a main first face and second face 30 a and 30 b that areapproximately plane and parallel to one another. First face 30 aconsists of a plate pierced with holes passing through it, forming smalldiameter orifices 34, for instance 1 to 10 microns with typical valuesranging from 2 to 6 microns, values given for information only.

Second face 30 b has a piezoelectric actuator 36 electrically connectedto electric power supply 20. It includes means forming a membrane takingup more or less the entire second face 30 b of the cavity.

When the means forming the membrane receive an AC excitation voltagefrom the electric power supply 20, they transform the electric energyinto vibrating mechanical energy according to the piezoelectricprinciple. This high frequency vibrating energy produces acoustic waveswhich, when transmitted into cavity 30, engender overpressure in theliquid contained within it. These high frequency overpressures provokethe expulsion of the liquid through orifices 34 of plate 30 a in theform of fine droplets.

As a non-limitative example, the frequency of the piezoelectric actuatorcould advantageously be around 100 to 300 kilohertz, which frequenciesare not audible to the human ear. The droplets formed in this way arethen blown into the atmosphere by a weak jet of air, produced forinstance by a small fan 38 connected to electric power supply 20. Thisfan can be integrated either into drop emission means 30 or into theassembly housing it.

As an alternative, piezoelectric actuator 36 can be replaced by anelectrostatic or acoustic actuator.

The flow of drops or droplets can be adjusted by means of the ACexcitation voltage of actuator 36 (piezoelectric or depending on chosenvariants), such as: signal amplitude, current intensity, frequencyand/or cyclic ratio of the waveform. These parameters can be controlledon power supply 20 from control electronics 12.

The integration into the programmable diffuser of a battery of dropemission means 4 according to the second embodiment, can be particularlycompact. Fan 38 may be a single unit for the entire battery of dropemission means 4 or may be specific to each of these means, thencontrolled individually by control electronics 12.

This second embodiment is a particularly silent type because thefrequency range of actuator 36 is not in the audible domain, and fan 38can easily be made to operate silently. However, it is possible to add,as an option, an anti-noise device 14 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3),arranged in the same way as for the first embodiment.

According to a third embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 4, the dropemission means 4 consist of a low power pump 42 and piezoelectric meansforming droplets by creating, by piezoelectric resonance excitation,instabilities in the surface waves of liquid jet 46 produced by the pumpor by the piezoelectric excitation itself.

These means include a box-shaped cavity 40 designed to containprovisionally the fill of liquid to be expelled in the form of dropletsG. Cavity 40 is supplied with liquid by tube 32 connecting its inside toliquid tank 6 via low power pump 42.

Cavity 40 has a more or less parallel first face and second face 40 aand 40 b. First face 40 a includes a nozzle (or possibly several) forliquid ejection 44, connecting the inside of cavity 40 to the outside.As will be explained below, liquid 46 is emitted by the nozzle ornozzles 44, in the form of a jet from which droplets G are created. Theliquid from jet 46, not transformed into droplets, is recovered by plate48 and returned to tank 6.

The second face 40 b includes a piezoelectric power actuator 36connected to electric power supply 20. Its operating mode is similar tothat of the second embodiment, in particular concerning the control ofthe excitation voltage, and will not be repeated for the sake ofconcision.

In operation, pump 42 supplies cavity 40 with liquid from a jet ofliquid 46 via the nozzle(s) 44.

In response to an excitation voltage applied to actuator 36 by electricpower supply 20, the latter produces acoustic surface waves at the jetof liquid 46. These surface waves are coupled with the capillary surfacewaves of jet 46 provoking surface instabilities in it. Excitation onresonance of these instabilities causes increasing amplitude asperitiesto form, resulting in the asperities being detached in the form ofdroplets G with size depending on excitation conditions and viscosityand surface tension characteristics of the liquid used.

Accordingly, it is possible to control the characteristics of thedroplets (size, density, velocity, etc.) by adjusting one or severalparameters such as the force of the jet (determined by the nozzle(s) andthe flow rate of pump 42), the characteristics of actuator 36 and/or theexcitation voltage (frequency, amplitude, current, etc.).

The droplets G obtained in this way are diffused to the outside, ifnecessary using a fan (not shown). In an embodiment of this third methodusing a fan to disperse the droplets, the possibilities described forthe second embodiment apply similarly in this mode and will not berepeated for the sake of concision.

In the same way as the second embodiment, this embodiment is of thesilent type, and pump 42 can have a very low sound emission.Nevertheless, it is possible to add optionally to pump 42 (and/or to afan if used) an anti-noise device 14 as described previously.

Further, note that passive noise attenuation means (for instance acoating like 22 c) may be used for all the different methods available.

In all the described methods, the size of the emitted droplets will beset according to utilization criteria so as to ensure the correctoperation of the droplet projecting device and to provide the user withsatisfaction and comfort as needed. The droplet size will generally besmall enough to permit rapid evaporation after projection into theatmosphere. This condition will, on the one hand, prevent liquid fromrunning around the nebulizing apparatus, and will also provide for fastand consistent mixing with the ambient air.

An order of magnitude of the drop diameter will make it possible tofulfill these conditions, given for information only, as 1 to 2 microns.This drop size will obtain what is commonly referred to as a “dry fog”.Means of diffusing very small droplets in high numbers like this arewell suited to the volume of residential rooms and meeting rooms,typically containing air volumes of between 30 and 100 cubic meters.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of all the assembled elements forming theprogrammable product diffusion device in an embodiment of the inventionwhich, contrary to the previous modes, does not involve the creation ofdrops to be evaporated but direct evaporation on the exposed surface ofthe liquid or gel or other material, comprising active principles, inparticular odour-bearing principles.

In method shown in FIG. 5, a single diffusion element is indicated, butthe professional will easily understand that this element may beduplicated n times, as already explained.

The device 1 contains in a box, an electric power supply 20 consistingof batteries or cells and/or, industry, means of connection to anexternal electric power supply, a user control interface 16 and activeproduct diffusion means, for instance odour-bearing emission).

In this method, the active product diffusion means, or each of thesemeans, include(s):

a diffusion substrate 3 connected to an active product tank 6, in such away that the substrate is impregnated with the active product. Thissubstrate 3 is porous and allows an airflow to pass through, obtainedeither by a very fine mesh, or by perforation;

a fan 5 placed upstream of the diffusion substrate 3 surface so as todirect a flow of air towards it; and

a diffusion outlet 7 downstream of the diffusion substrate 3, designedto evacuate the flow of air from the fan after passing through thediffusion substrate.

It is possible to provide a fan 5 for each diffusion means, or a singlefan ensuring the flow of air for a group, or for all the diffusion meansconsidered together.

Depending on the size of the diffusing device and the volume of theairflow, the quantities of diffused product, as a non-limitativeexample, could be included between 0.01 et 1 microliter (millionth of aliter) per minute, for airflow is included between 0.5 and 5 cubicmetres per hour and electric power values included between 02 and 2watts.

Devices like this are well suited for effect in the immediatesurroundings of the user, typically at a distance of between 1 and 2 m.

The FIG. 6 is estimated view of a programmable product diffusion deviceaccording to an embodiment of the invention, more particularly intendedfor use in vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, coaches, etc.

Each element shown in this figure having a function similar to anelement already described by reference to FIG. 5 bears the samereference number and will not be described again for the sake ofconcision. Note that diffusion substrate 3 in this case is more or lessin the outlet plane 7 for diffusion into the atmosphere and that theconfiguration of all the components is substantially more compactbecause it is designed for onboard use.

In this embodiment, the electric energy is supplied by the vehicleelectricity circuit, powered by the battery, for instance, through thevehicle cigarette lighter or any other electrical connection foraccessories. The device schematised in FIG. 6 could advantageouslyinclude a timed electronic subassembly to detect the level of voltagesupplied by the vehicle electricity system. In this way, when thevehicle is running, the voltage level is maintained essentiallyconstant, with frequent fluctuations due to the activity of the engineand the accessories (indicator lights, windscreen wipers, headlights,etc) over intervals of time lasting several minutes. Conversely, whenthe vehicle is not running with the engine off, for instance for severalminutes, the fluctuations will disappear and the timed electronicsubassembly will stop the operation of the diffuser (“automatic diffuserstoppage”). This has the advantage of avoiding pointless operation ofthe diffuser and the inadvertent discharge of the battery if the driverhas not himself turned off the diffuser.

In an alternate embodiment, the device schematised in FIG. 6 can also beintegrated into the vehicle dashboard.

FIG. 7 is a functional diagram of the main components of the controlelectronics 12 applicable in full or in part to each embodiment of theinvention. In the example of FIG. 7, the control electronics 12 can beused with the five methods of embodiment described; accordingly, some ofthe interfaces depicted may only concern some of these embodiments.

The control electronics 12 is centred on a central processing unit 50managing all of the programmable vaporisation devices of FIGS. 1 to 6.

The central processing unit 50 includes a microprocessor 52 programmedto perform a management execution programme from software recorded inread-only memory (ROM) 54. A random-access memory (RAM) 56 is connectedto microprocessor 52 in order to change with it any evolutionary data,in particular parameter set-up and user programming data for theperformance of various sequences to activate combinations of dropdiffusion means 4.

All the components 52, 54, 56 are timed by an oscillator 58 which canalso be used as a time base for the overall system.

The central processing unit 50 manages a set of interfaces associatedwith single inputs which may be internal or external with respect to theprogrammable vaporisation devices of FIGS. 1 to 6, i.e.:

an audio interface 60 for input connection of various audio sources(audio 1, audio 2, . . . audio L) which can be incorporated into thedevices of FIGS. 1 to 6 or connected to them by wire or microwave links,such audio sources being, for instance: a compact disc player, acassette player, one of several synthesised or recorded soundgenerators, etc;

a user physiological parameter detector interface 62 enabling theactivation of various programmed functions, for instance: depending onthe breathing rate (by detection of the dilation of the lung, breathingflux, breathing sound), snoring noises, the electrical activity of thenervous system (electroencephalogram or other means), etc, orphysiological detectors that can be incorporated into the device 1 orconnected to it;

a presence detector interface 64 designed to activate the variousfunctions programmed according to a detected presence whereby thepresence detector(s) can be incorporated into the device 1 or connectedto it; and

an action detector interface 66 designed to activate the variousfunctions programmed according to a detected action, for instance, theopening of a door, the starting of an external device, the presence ofbackground noises (the programmable vaporisation may then be sequencesaccording to these sound), etc, whereby the presence detector(s) can beincorporated into the device 1 or connected to it.

The central processing unit 50 also manages the output interfacesenabling the operation of certain vaporisation production means 4according to various production modes and according to production andaccording to the programming and the signals present at the variousinput interfaces. In the following, the elements of the programmablevaporisation devices of FIGS. 1 to 6 previously described separately areidentified by the same reference number which is associated with asub-index denoting the ranking in the multitude whereby device 1 herecomprises n drop diffusion means 4, where n is greater than 1. Theseinterfaces include:

an interface 68 controlling the turbines 10 a of air pumps 101-10 n usedin particular for adjusting the flow of air to each second tube 261-26 nwhen the device uses an individual pump for each drop diffusion means 4;

an interface 70 controlling the solenoid valves e. vannel,—e.vannenassociated with outlets 10 al-10 an of the air pump 10 when the deviceuses a single air pump 10;

an interface 72 on the anti-noise devices 141-14 n according to thechoices and methods used, the performing of calculations relative to theperforming of the anti-noise function can be accomplished at least inpart by the central processing unit 50;

an interface 74 for the fan(s) 381-38 n, in particular for the controlof the latter in the second embodiment; and

an interface 76 of the liquid pumps 421-42 n used for controlling theflow of liquid, and therefore the jet 46, in the third embodiment.

In terms of user interfaces, the central processing unit also managesthe control interface 16, breaking down functionality and this levelinto three separate elements, i.e.:

a clock 78 used for executing the vaporisation programs (the directions,a mission intervals) depending on the time, a programmed interval or adown count);

an interface 80 controlling the display 1621 in order to present at thevarious operating and programming parameters; and

a keyboard and control button interface 82 used for the input of variouscommands toward the central processing unit 50 for execution.

In addition, the central processing unit 50 controls through a powersupply interface 84 the output of various voltages needed for theoperation of the elements under control: diffusion means 4, interfaces,connected devices, etc.

Finally, the central processing unit 50 manages an audio output circuit86, in particular to reproduce the signals supplied to the audio inputinterface 60 as a function of programmed parameters, audio productionmeans (amplifier and speaker or earphone output) which can beincorporated into the programmable vaporisation device 1 or connected toit by a wire or microwave link.

In this way, the control electronics 12 by programming under the controlof the central processing unit 50, can be used to define and choose atany time the emission combinations of a number p of diffusers among then diffusers available where p is an integer that is less than or equalto n. In this way, within the volume emitted at a given moment, it ispossible to obtain the mixture of p odours or active principles. Thefollowing moment, if necessary, it will be possible to choose p′ out ofthe n available and so on where p′ is an integer different from p andless than or equal to n. In other words, the number and/or combinationof diffusion means 4 in the active state changes in the course of time,depending on programming managed by the device.

By choosing different combinations and successive moments of time, inthis way, it is possible to construct variable sequences of odourcombinations or of other active principles, etc.

The control electronics 12 can thus manage the n diffusion means 4, inassociation with a software programmed in the memory, structured aroundthe time it takes to establish odour peak emission cycles havingdetermined emission times and determined intervals between twosuccessive emissions, as explained in the description. Controlelectronics 12 is capable of managing n diffusion means 4 by virtue ofthree user perception systems as a function of examples of use, i.e.:

the sense of smell, whose capacities we are seeking to optimise,

the state of being awake and asleep, generally associated with day andnight, activity and rest, cerebral activity or its malfunctioning (coma)and,

the sense of hearing, by associating sound sources with the operation ofthe means of diffusion 4.

The multiplicity of the means of diffusion 4 and the programming ofcombinations forming a varied sequences will provide access to variousareas for the use of the devices contracted according to the invention,which will now be described by means of examples.

In these examples, the number n of diffusion outputs of differentproduct is chosen according to the applications in view.

It will be understood that in the following examples, the describedfunctions and cycles are obtained by programming managed at centralprocessing unit 50 and the interfaces under control.

The multiplicity of diffusers 4 and the programming of combinations p,p′, . . . forming varied sequences provide access to a variety of fieldsof use of programmed diffusion devices 1, as will appear in thenon-limitative examples given below.

Application 1: Area of Practical Life

This particular application, linked with being awake and asleep, will beillustrated by the two following examples.

EXAMPLE 1

The diffusion devices used as and olfactory morning way Device and/or ameans of accompaniment in falling asleep.

The device is designed to be placed near the user who chooses the timehe wishes to wake up (for instance, accusing the programming unit 162with the keyboard 82 and clock At this time, the diffusion deviceinitiates the activation of the device generating the odour bearingproduct 78, (cf. FIG. 7) for instance, an essential oil, chosen for itsactivity and according to the preferences of the user. Diffusion willcontinue on its own for several tens of seconds and will be repeatedafter interruption kn times, thus generating odour peaks which, for someusers, are sufficient to awaken them. If the user fails to wake up atthis time, a noise is emitted by the device 1, by similar means, inorder to awaken them. This noise can consist of natural sound, such as awaterfall, or the sound of crickets.

After several minutes, and therefore after several odour peaks, amesmerised audio message, or a message reproduced in device 1 (orsupplied externally by means of the audio interface 60, FIG. 7),consistently completes the olfactory message.

If, at this time, the user has already been awakened by the odouremitted by diffusion, the noises will nevertheless have an appeasing,character, easing the sleeper gently and agreeably out of his sleep.

Then, programming will turn off the sound after a few minutes while thecycle of projection of odour-bearing and/or essential oil (in thisexample) may be continued according to the control options programmedinto the central processing unit 50.

Conversely, the same system can be used during the process of fallingasleep, beginning by an association of noises, such as recorded orsynthesised nature sounds and the projection of odour-bearing product(for instance, essential oils), then continuing with the emission of theodour-bearing product (essential oils) alone.

The devices of FIGS. 1 to 6 can also be programmed to detect the fallingasleep at the user or an undesirable effect of this slumber, forinstance, snoring.

For the process of falling asleep, it is possible, for instance, tomeasure the breathing rate so as to modify the sound level of theemitted sound effects and the emission of the odour-bearing productthrough to its stoppage. As far as snoring is concerned, the discreetemission of a suitable odour-bearing product will modify the breathingconditions and stop the snoring.

The detection of an operating condition permitting this cyclemodification can be obtained by a suitable sensor connected to one ofthe input interfaces 60 to 66, depending on the control parameter. Forinstance, in the case of snoring being detected, a microphone near thesnoring sleeper could be connected to audio interface 60 or possibly tothe action detection interface 66, whereby the action in this case is anexceeding of the sound threshold detected by conventional electronics.

By the multiplicity of diffusion means 4 incorporated into the devicesillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, it will be possible to offer a range ofperfumes, for instance to emit and odour that smells less strongly inthe case of falling asleep than in that of awakening.

Can be programmed means could be combined with other controlled means,for instance a more conventional alarm triggering a bell, tones, theradio, etc, included in device 1 or connected from the outside.

Application 2: Use of Device for Therapy EXAMPLE 2

This example is based on more particular programming of the device 1 inconformity with this invention, with the intention of awakening apatient from a comatose state.

It is a well-known fact that the process of awakening from a comatosestate often requires strong solicitations of the patient. Thesolicitations like this are often obtained by the presence and sound ofloved ones.

This example of the implementing of the invention makes it possible tocomplete oral solicitations by olfactory solicitations. Preferably, itwill be possible to choose odours having a relationship with thepatient's past and an emission cycle will be programmed on device 1 bythe practitioner or the operator through interfaces 80 and 82 (FIG. 7).

In this cycle implementation, the odours in question could even bepheromones relating to the affiliation of the patient or his affectivelife (spouse, children etc). For this purpose, a bank of pheromonescould be stored to cater to the possibility of association with therapyat a later stage, in the same way as the a store of blood can becompiled by the patient himself, with a view to the performing of anoperation on him. With means of preserving pheromones over long periodsof time, the therapy could be implemented several years after the stockis compiled.

In these two examples, the functions of falling asleep and of waking upare all the more beneficial in that the apparatus does not interferewith the sleep of the user. The means described allowing the silentoperation of the drop diffusion means are particularly advantageous:passive phonic installation, active anti-noise means 14, very low soundemission diffuser technology.

EXAMPLE 3

The device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 is programmed in the centralprocessing unit 50 to emit, according to a predetermined sequence or onthe control of the user, drops to provide anti-smoking care. Theemission of odour bearing product(s) and designed to be a smokingdeterrent could be carried out at times of the day when the user suffersfrom the strongest smoking pangs.

Application 3: Implementation of Device 1 in the World of Play,Education or Scientific Research EXAMPLE 4

The device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 is programmed in the centralprocessing unit 50 to diffuse a single odour or one odour at a time,through one of the n drop diffusion means 4, thus wide-ranging odoursaccording to a programmed and timed sequence.

EXAMPLE 5

This example is similar to Example 3, but in this case, programming isdesigned for the diffusion of a combination of odour mixtures by two orthree more than in more outlets, and even changing the pair or the groupof three in the time-related sequence and so on. This combination ofassociations could be made more complex by programming the emissiontimes and intervals for each of the n drop diffusion means 4 consideredseparately.

This programming of times and intervals, in particular, would make itpossible to adapt to the time constant specific to the olfactory nerveendings and fibres of human beings (or possibly of animals forscientific research purposes). In particular, this could be a way ofavoiding phenomena of the continuation or disappearance of the sense ofsmell by saturation or habituation: replacement of constant odours by“odour peaks”. To do this, in particular, it would be possible toprogram the operation of the device according to the type of odour sothat the emission duration, the intervals and the waiting durationsstrengthen the olfactory need and the desire to smell the chosen odour.In particular, this objective could be achieved in the device byrecognition, for instance mechanical or electrical, of the type ofcartridge and of the type of odour that the user has inserted into thedevice. This is a way of allowing for the fact that the impregnationtimes of nerve fibres, relaxation and waiting, vary according to theodour bearing substance used (for instance, essential oil) and whereapplicable, according to the individual.

In all of the described embodiments, the device can be equipped withmeans of automatically recognising the active product to be diffused.This recognition can be obtained more particularly by the encoding ofthe recipient (cartridge or other product container) which is legible bya reading arrangement on the device itself. Means like this could bebased upon:

barcodes since a barcode label could be attached to the tank orcartridge 6 depending on its contents, and a barcode reader incorporatedinto the receptacle for the tank or cartridge;

mechanical means, for example, pins, hollows etc, on part of the tank orcartridge with a configuration specific to the product it contains andwhich configuration is detected by sensors incorporated into thereceptacle for the tank or cartridge; or any other arrangement and anelectronic chip supported by the cartridge were tank and containingcondemning information specific to the product it contains which chipcould be read by a communication interface incorporated into device 1.

It is understandable that the information given regarding theengineering methods and the applications envisaged may be combineddepending on the desired results.

What is claimed is:
 1. A programmable odor-bearing substance diffusiondevice comprising a number n of odor diffusion means, where n is equalto or greater than 1, each said odor diffusion means including a storeof an odor source which is dispensed by the odor diffusion means, meansfor independently controlling each said odor diffusion means to emit asingle odor or a mixture of odors from a combination of p of the nstores, and programmable control means for establishing odor peakemission cycles and a predetermined interval between two successiveemission cycles, said predetermined interval being based on an olfactorysaturation and desaturation times of the olfactory system of a user. 2.A device according to claim 1, wherein the odor peak emission cycleshave an emission duration of five seconds to two minutes and theintervals between successive emission cycles is between two minutes andone hour.
 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the odor peaks haveemission durations of fifteen seconds to one minute and intervalsbetween emissions of between two minutes and five minutes.
 4. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the number n of odor diffusion means isequal to or greater than
 2. 5. A device according to claim 1,additionally comprising active means for attenuation or elimination ofnoise in the form of anti-noise means.
 6. A device according to claim 1,including passive noise attenuation means.
 7. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the diffusion means includes means constructed andarranged to emit droplets sized so as to produce a dry fog effect, wherethe elementary diameter of said droplets is in the region of 0.5 to 3microns.
 8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the diffusion meansoperates by Venturi effect.
 9. A device according to claim 1, whereinthe diffusion means includes an electromechanical actuator constructedand arranged to transmit vibrations to a load of liquid contained in acavity so as to eject the droplets of the liquid load.
 10. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the diffusion means includes means forproduction of a liquid jet to be diffused and means for generatingsurface acoustic waves on the liquid jet so as to detach the dropletsfrom the jet.
 11. A device according to claim 1, wherein the diffusionmeans comprises means for surface evaporation.
 12. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the programmable control means includes means forsignal input constructed and arranged to be connected to at least onephysiological parameter sensor capable of controlling an odor diffusionprogram as a function of at least one detected physiological parameter.13. A device according to claim 12, associated with a physiologicalparameter sensor comprising a detector for detecting noise caused bysnoring, the device being programmed to control the diffusion means soas to emit an odor-bearing product in response to detected snoring so asto cause it to cease.
 14. A device according to claim 1, associated witha drowsiness state physiological parameter sensor, said device beingprogrammed to control the diffusion means and cause the emission of theproduct as a function of a detected physiological state.
 15. A deviceaccording to claim 13, wherein the physiological sensor includes atleast one detector selected from the group consisting of a breathingdetector and a detector of characteristic electrical state of the user.16. A device according to claim 1, wherein the programmable means ofcontrol comprises time counting means so as to control an odor diffusionprogram depending on at least one time-related parameter.
 17. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the programmable control means isprogrammed so as to begin, at a programmed time, an odor diffusion cyclecapable of causing a subject to awaken.
 18. A device according to claim1, wherein the programmable control means is programmed so as to begin,at a programmed time or in response to an input at an interface thereof,an odor diffusion cycle suitable to accompany a subject falling asleep.19. A device according to claim 1, wherein the programmable controlmeans includes audio means capable of controlling the emission of soundsto accompany an odor emission program.
 20. A device according to claim1, wherein the odor diffusion means comprises at least one tankcontaining an odor-bearing liquid specific to that tank.
 21. A deviceaccording to claim 1, constructed and arranged for soliciting awakeningof a patient from a comatose state, and comprising at least one tankcontaining an odor-bearing liquid chosen to emit an odor related to thepast or surroundings or tastes of a patient.
 22. A device according toclaim 21, wherein at least one of odors is based on a pheromone relatedto the filiation of affective life of the patient.
 23. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the odor peak generation cycles arecalculated taking into consideration a saturation and desaturation timeof the olfactory nerve system and adding to it a latent time likely togive a user the desire to create it so as to hasten the process andrenew his pleasure when the odor peak arrives.
 24. A device according toclaim 1, including automatic means of recognition of the product byvirtue of a predetermined encoding facility forming the store andadjusting the diffusion program accordingly.
 25. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising an electric power supply adapted forconnection to an electric circuit of a vehicle.
 26. A device accordingto claim 1, which is a portable unit allowing personal and individualuse.
 27. A device according to claim 1, including audio means associatedwith the odor diffusion means for sending a consistent odor-soundmessage related to nature.